Car catches fire outside of Costa Mesa High

Costa Mesa Firefighters put out a car fire on Fairview Road across from Costa Mesa High School on Tuesday.

Costa Mesa Firefighters put out a car fire on Fairview Road across from Costa Mesa High School on Tuesday. (SCOTT SMELTZER, Daily Pilot)

Anthony Clark Carpio and Bryce Alderton

Three drivers escaped uninjured Tuesday after two cars caught fire in separate incidents and third was involved in a collision, according to authorities.

Costa Mesa firefighters responded to a call that a silver Ford Focus was on fire at 12:35 p.m. at Fairview Road and Mustang Way in front of Costa Mesa High School.

Capt. Brent Turner said the driver, Maria Najera, of Costa Mesa, had just been at her mechanic's shop before the engine caught fire.

She said her vehicle was feeling a little sluggish and her mechanic told her to use higher-octane fuel. As she tried to make a U-turn in front of Mesa, Najera saw smoke come out front under the hood, Turner said.

She pulled over, got out and called the Fire Department. The fire reportedly burned the engine compartment and hood and cracked part of the windshield, Turner said.